The Tupolev Tu-128 was a supersonic long range interceptor developed to defend Russia from attack by long range nuclear armed bombers.

They began entering service in 1963 and remained operational until 1990.

This very large fighter was specifically designed to intercept and destroy enemy bombers.

It’s size was necessary to carry sufficient fuel to fly at supersonic speeds and loiter for about two hours waiting for attackers.

The Tu-128 design was based on the Tu-22 (Blinder) bomber with a similar wing platform.

The first developmental aircraft flew in 1959 and production began in 1963.

When production ceased in 1969 about 300 had been produced.

They were replaced by more modern interceptors such as the MiG-31 but a few remained in service until about 1992.

This model represents a Tu-128 of the 64th Air Regiment at Omsk in 1985.

AModel 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in April 2006.